Complete Guide to Obtaining a Partner Visa in Dubai

What is a Partner Visa in Dubai?

A UAE Partner Visa is a residency visa aimed at foreign investors and entrepreneurs who are partners or shareholders in a business established in the UAE. This visa allows them to live in the UAE and participate in the management of the company in which they have invested. Depending on the structure of the company and the specific visa category, a partner residence visa is usually issued for 2–3 years, while in qualifying cases it can be structured as a 5-year Green Residence for investors/partners.

In practice, the term “partner visa” is often used for designating a residence visa issued to partners/shareholders of a company, while official classification operates with categories of standard residence visas and long-term residences (Green Visa and Golden Visa).

Who Needs a Partner Visa in the UAE?

In short, a Partner Visa is issued to expatriates and foreigners who want to open a business in the Emirates, own an already existing company, or hold shares in one. The purpose of this residency visa is the promotion of international cooperation in the business sphere, as well as the attraction and facilitation of foreign investments in the Emirates’ economy.

As such, this visa type is aimed at the following categories of foreign nationals:

Investors. Foreign individuals who wish to invest in a UAE-based company and become partners in the business are eligible for a Partner Visa.

Shareholders. Individuals who own shares in a UAE-based company and have a substantial ownership stake in the business.

Entrepreneurs. Foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in the UAE and partner with local Emirati investors.

Professionals. In some cases, professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and consultants who want to partner with a UAE-based business or start their own practice may require a Partner Visa to work in the country.

Family members. Partner Visa holders are generally allowed to sponsor their immediate family members, including spouses and children, to live with them in the UAE, subject to income and category requirements set by the authorities. Family members will need to apply for UAE family visas under the rules applicable to the sponsor’s visa type (standard residence, Green Residence or Golden Visa).

In many cases, a partner visa also serves as a first step towards long‑term residency options such as the UAE Green Residence for investors/partners or the 10‑year Golden Visa, provided that the business and investment meet the eligibility thresholds set by the competent authorities in each emirate.
 

Benefits of the UAE Partner Visa

Securing a Partner Visa in the Emirates can provide the following benefits:

1.  Up to 5 years of legal residency

The visa allows foreign investors to legally reside in the UAE and take an active part in the management of their business. Depending on the chosen structure and eligibility, partner visas are typically issued for 2–3 years or as a 5-year Green Residence for investors/partners.
 

2. Access to local markets

Holding a Partner Visa provides access to local markets and networks, allowing for easier business operations inside the country and a huge growth potential in the thriving economy of the Emirates.

3. Visa sponsorship for family members

As already mentioned, Partner Visa holders are able to sponsor their family members for residency visas, allowing them to live together in the UAE and providing them with all the opportunities the country can offer.

4. Easier traveling

With a Partner Visa, individuals can easily enter and exit the Emirates and travel to GCC countries without having to apply for a separate visa each time. This allows for a broader range of business opportunities and easier time management.

5. Tax benefits

The UAE offers advantageous tax regulations for businesses, which can result in lower tax liabilities for business partners.

6. Potential for long-term or permanent residency

Business partners can, in eligible cases, apply for long‑term residency programs such as the 5-year Green Residence for investors/partners or the 10-year Golden Visa, provided their investment and company meet the criteria set by the UAE government. This can offer additional stability and benefits for the partner and their family.

7. Access to healthcare and education facilities

Partner Visa holders and their families are eligible to access healthcare facilities and education services in the UAE, providing them with peace of mind and quality services.

Overall, a Partner Visa in the Emirates offers foreign entrepreneurs and investors the opportunity to establish and grow their businesses in a growing economy while enjoying the benefits of legal residency and business ownership.

Difference between Partner and Investor Visas

UAE Partner and Investor visas are similar in their concept, which is why some people confuse them. However, there are substantial differences.

The Investor Visa in the UAE is a visa type provided to foreign nationals who have invested a particular sum of money in the UAE economy. This visa is typically granted to individuals who have made a significant financial investment by establishing a new business, purchasing property, or investing in an existing business.

The key difference between the Investor and Partner Visa lies in the fact that the Investor Visa does not imply active engagement in the operations of the company its holder had invested in, instead requiring a larger amount of invested capital. In turn, the Partner Visa implies owning a considerable share of the company and engaging in its management.

In addition to standard 2–3-year residence visas, the UAE has introduced the Green Residence for investors and partners, which is a 5-year self-sponsored residency type for qualifying investors and shareholders. Under this framework, an investor or partner may obtain long-term residency by demonstrating a minimum level of paid-up capital and complying with the conditions set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Requirements for the Partner Visa in the UAE

There are several elements in the eligibility criteria for the UAE Partner Visa. To apply for one, the individual must suit the following requirements:

Partnership agreement and shareholding. The applicant needs to own a significant portion of a registered company in the Emirates or a valid partnership agreement with the local Emirati sponsor or partner specifying their roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangement. This company can be in any sector or industry.

Minimal investment. Depending on the emirate, visa category and type of business, the minimum investment required for securing a partner or investor visa can vary. For certain 5-year Green Residence visas for investors/partners in Dubai, authorities currently require proof of a paid-up capital of at least AED 1 million, while for standard 2–3-year partner visas free zones and mainland regulators may accept lower thresholds or focus on the shareholder’s percentage in the company. The exact requirements are set by the relevant free zone authority, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), GDRFA and ICP and are subject to updates.

Financial stability. The applicant must showcase the amount of funds sufficient for supporting themselves and any dependents while in the Emirates. This may include bank statements, proof of income, or a letter of support from the local sponsor.

Good conduct. The applicant must have evidence of a clean criminal record and present proof of good character. Any previous legal issues or violations may result in visa denial.

Business plan. The applicant must have a clear and detailed business plan outlining the goals, objectives, products or services offered, target market, and marketing strategy of the company.

Trade license. The partner company of the applicant must possess an effective trade license registered with the UAE authorities.

Local sponsor or corporate structure. In mainland companies, a local partner or corporate structure may be required in line with current ownership rules, while many free zones allow 100% foreign ownership and act as the visa sponsor themselves. The exact sponsorship model depends on the chosen jurisdiction and licensing authority.

Visa application. The candidate must submit a filled-in visa application form together with all the necessary supporting documents to the relevant government agencies in the Emirates.

Medical examination. The applicant will be mandated to pass a medical examination to ensure they are in good health and do not pose a threat to public health in the UAE.

Passport requirements. In order to be able to apply for this visa type, the applicant must hold a passport with a minimum remaining validity period of six months along with recent passport-sized photos.

Visa fees. The candidate must pay all relevant visa fees and charges for the Partner Visa in the UAE.

Document Requirements for the UAE Partner Visa

Make sure to collect the following set of documents in order to apply for a Partner Visa:

• Filled-in visa application form
• Copy of valid passport
• Passport-size photographs
• Copy of the trade license of the sponsoring company
• Copy of the partnership agreement
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Proof of financial stability of the sponsoring company
• Bank statements of the sponsoring company
• Business plan outlining the company’s activities
• Medical fitness certificate
• Emirates ID application form
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Any other supporting documents as requested by the UAE authorities

UAE Partner Visa Application Process

The following are the step-by-step instructions for acquiring a Partner Visa in the Emirates.

1. Enter a partnership agreement with a UAE-based company. You should have a partnership agreement thoroughly specifying each partner’s shareholding percentage, profit-sharing conditions, work responsibilities, and other arrangements.
2. Find a local sponsor. Applying for a Partner Visa requires you to have an Emirati national or a locally-based company that will act as the local sponsor for your visa application.
3. Apply for the Immigration Establishment Card. Your partner company requires an Immigration Establishment Card from the GDRFA, which is necessary for visa sponsorship.
4. Obtain the necessary documents. Collect all the required documents listed above.
5. Submit the visa application. Fill out and submit the visa application form along with all the necessary documents to the relevant immigration authority in the UAE. In most cases, this is done through ICP or GDRFA/AMER online platforms, approved typing centers or via your business setup consultant
6. Pay the visa fees. Make sure to pay the required visa fees for the application processing. Keep the payment receipt as proof of payment.
7. Pass the medical checkup. For this visa type, you will be mandated to take and pass a medical test to confirm that you are in good health and comply with the health standards introduced by the UAE authorities for public safety.
8. Complete and hand in the Emirates ID application. Fill in the application for an Emirates ID, which is an obligatory identity document for all UAE residents. Hand in the completed Emirates ID application form as well as a set of necessary paperwork.
9. Await visa approval. Once you have submitted all the necessary documents and completed the required steps, you will need to wait for visa approval from the relevant immigration authority or government agency in the UAE.
10. Collect your visa. If your visa application is approved, you will receive the Partner Visa giving you the right to stay and work in the UAE as a business partner in the sponsoring company.

It is important to follow all the regulations and guidelines set by the UAE authorities when going through the visa application procedures to make the process as smooth as possible and achieve the necessary results.

Processing Time of the UAE Partner Visa

The length of the time period required for processing a Partner Visa in the Emirates can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the application. In general, it can take anywhere from 5 to 15 work days for the visa to be processed and approved.

After a partner visa is issued, residents are generally required to maintain their residency status by not staying outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days, unless they fall under exempt categories or obtain specific approvals. The grace period after visa expiry or cancellation can be up to 6 months, depending on the visa type and the decision of the competent authority.

Costs of a Partner Visa in the UAE

The total cost of obtaining a Partner Visa can vary significantly due to a number of elements involved. Government fees for visa issuance, Emirates ID and medical tests are periodically updated, and additional charges apply for services such as health insurance, status change, and consultancy.

Fee ranges above are indicative and based on typical cases. Actual government fees depend on whether the application is filed inside or outside the UAE, the emirate of issuance and the latest ICP/GDRFA schedules, and should always be confirmed at the time of application.

Other expenses associated with the Partner Visa may include health insurance, visa processing agency fees, consultancy services, company establishment costs, shareholder or investment capital, etc. Combined, they can affect the total required sum drastically.